The International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) has reaffirmed that peace has no alternative in building a better world.
IAWPA President, Per Stafsen, stated this on Tuesday in Akure during the 2025 United Nations International Day of Cooperatives sensitisation workshop.
Stafsen, represented by Mr Chidi Ehiriado, said cooperatives are vital tools for fostering unity, peace, and sustainable development.
He urged people not to allow politicians to use religion, ethnicity and racism to divide them.
“This year’s theme, ‘Cooperative: A Tool for Promoting Global Peace,’ emphasises the value of unity and collective action in building peaceful societies,” he said.
Stafsen, represented by the International Director of IAWPA, Mr Chidi Ehiriado, described the gathering as a vital call to strengthen peacebuilding initiatives.
He urged citizens to think globally, but act locally in their contributions to peace and development.
Stafsen reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
In his goodwill message, the Director of Cooperative Services in Ondo State, Mr Felix Williams, commended the organisers for the initiative.
Williams noted that cooperatives played a crucial role in economic transformation, social inclusion, and sustainable peace.
“Cooperatives foster trust, participation, and shared responsibility. They are pivotal in poverty alleviation, employment generation, and community well-being,” he said.
The director disclosed that over 10,000 cooperatives had been registered in the state, with the Ondo State Cooperative College.
According to him, the college is playing a vital role in training cooperative managers and strengthening resilience across the sector.
Also, The President of Youth Engagement and Solutions (YES), Apostle Francis Adegbenro, said the role of young people in the peace process could not be overemphasised.
“There can be no cooperation without peace, and where youths are helpless, jobless and without skills, the entire society becomes vulnerable to chaos,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Eminent Peace Ambassador and Global Diplomat honours were conferred on the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, who served as the chairman of the occasion.
Others who were awarded are; the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun), Mr Adetunji Adeleye; and the State President of Ondo Farmers Congress, Mr Abayomi Monilari.
